2026-09-29 - Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee
Summary
Built from the posted committee minutes, which consist of the agenda and the legislative text; no discussion or vote is recorded.
- Committee chaired by Anane; meeting at 5:30 PM, livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, with a public comment period (in person, online or by email).
- Two items: Local Law O of 2026 (sponsor Flynn) and a petition for a single unified election and ranked choice voting. No motions, votes, speakers or adjournment time are recorded.
Ranked Choice Voting
- Local Law O of 2026 would add a new Section 207 to the City Charter establishing ranked choice voting for primary and general elections for Mayor, Chief City Auditor, Treasurer, Council President and Council member.
- Voters rank up to five candidates; a majority of first-choice votes wins, otherwise last-place candidates are eliminated in rounds, with batch elimination of mathematically impossible candidates.
- The Albany County Board of Elections designs the ballot and writes hand-count rules; the campaign finance board runs voter education. The Board of Elections must submit an implementation plan by June 1, 2028; applies to elections on or after January 1, 2029.
- Knowing and willful violations are a misdemeanor: up to one year in jail, or a $100 to $500 fine, or both.
- Takes effect after final passage, public hearing, filing with the Secretary of State and referendum. Approved as to form July 10, 2026. Supporting memorandum of July 1, 2026 from Legislative Director Bryan Jimenez to City Clerk Shaniqua Jackson: sponsor Flynn (8th Ward); fiscal impact none; ranked choice is used or will be used by 49 U.S. jurisdictions (Maine and Alaska statewide, 36 cities, 3 counties), and New York City uses it for primaries.